Over the last three seasons, the Rays have been the best team in the AL East. They won their division in 2020 and 2021 with a combined record of 140-82 (326-220 since 2018). Tampa led the American League in ERA (3.67), supported by a top bullpen (58 wins, 32 losses, 42 saves and a 3.24 ERA – 3rd). They also finished second in runs scored (857), outscoring the Blue Jays (846) and Red Sox (829). In addition, the Rays pushed to sixth in home runs (222) while swiping 88 bases (seventh).
Their big splash in free agency was the signing of SP Corey Kluber.